Patient Resources
Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions
Proper preparation before surgery and following guidelines after your procedure are essential for optimal healing outcomes.
Downloadable Instructions
Save or Print Your Instructions
Download your pre-operative and post-operative instructions to review before and after your appointment.
Osseous Surgery
Soft Tissue Grafting
Extractions & Implants
Before Your Procedure
Pre-Operative Preparation
Taking the right steps before your surgery can significantly improve your healing and overall experience. Please review and follow these guidelines in the days leading up to your appointment.
Optimize Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene in the days before surgery can improve surgical outcomes. Brush thoroughly twice daily and floss regularly to reduce bacteria and inflammation in the surgical area.
Stock Your Kitchen
Purchase protein-rich, healthy soft foods before your appointment so you are ready for your post-op diet. Consider items like Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup, protein shakes, and soft fish.
Update Your Pharmacy
Ensure your pharmacy information is up to date at least one week before your appointment. This allows us to send all post-operative medications in advance so you do not have to wait at the pharmacy after your procedure.
Pre-Operative Ibuprofen
Taking ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) before your surgery can help manage post-operative pain more effectively. Follow our office instructions on timing and dosage for your specific procedure.
Sedation Patients
If you require oral sedation or IV sedation, please contact our office well in advance to sign the necessary consent forms and ensure all sedation medications have been sent to your pharmacy before your appointment.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your surgery. Good hydration supports healing and helps your body recover more efficiently. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure.
Plan for Recovery
Get a good night's sleep before your appointment and arrange your schedule to allow for rest afterward. If receiving sedation, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves to your appointment. This allows easy access for blood pressure monitoring and IV placement if needed. Avoid wearing jewelry or heavy makeup.
Questions?
If you have any questions about preparing for your procedure or need to update your pharmacy or medication information, please contact our office.
Contact UsAfter Your Procedure
Post-Operative Instructions
Proper care following your procedure is essential for optimal healing. Please review and follow these guidelines carefully.
Post-Operative Care Video
Post-Op Care Instructions
Post-Op Instructions Video
Educational videos coming soon
Watch this video for a comprehensive overview of post-operative care following periodontal surgery.
Instructions by Procedure
Select your procedure below to view specific post-operative instructions.
Common Complications & How to Manage Them
Mild to moderate bleeding
Apply firm but gentle pressure to the surgical site with a moistened gauze or black tea bag for 30 minutes. Black tea bags are especially helpful as they contain tannic acid, which aids in the first step of blood clotting. If bleeding does not subside after two attempts, contact your treating office.
Swelling
Swelling is normal and typically peaks around day 2-3. Continue icing 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. If swelling worsens significantly after day 3, contact your treating office.
Bruising
Bruising of the skin or gums near the surgical site is normal and will resolve on its own within 7-10 days. No treatment is needed.
Pain or discomfort
To control pain, please take all medications as prescribed. Typically, alternating Ibuprofen 800mg and Tylenol 1000mg every 3-4 hours will control post-surgical pain. Do not exceed 3,200mg of Ibuprofen or 4,000mg of Tylenol in a 24-hour period (please note these maximums are for healthy adults; those with liver or kidney disease should consult their physician for adjusted dosages). If indicated, an opioid may be prescribed. Please take this medication in place of Tylenol, alongside Ibuprofen, for enhanced pain control. In rare cases, you may return to the office to receive additional Exparel injections after the anesthetic has worn off for extended relief.
Slight oozing or blood-tinged saliva
This is normal for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid spitting forcefully or rinsing vigorously. Gentle salt water rinses can begin 24 hours after surgery.
Difficulty opening mouth
Limited jaw opening (trismus) can occur after surgery, especially in posterior areas. Gently stretch your jaw with slow opening exercises. This typically resolves within 1-2 weeks.
When to Call Us
- Excessive or uncontrollable bleeding
- Severe pain not managed by medication
- Fever above 101.5 F
- Significant swelling after day 3
- Allergic reaction to medication
For all emergencies, contact your treating office immediately. For general questions or concerns, please email info@yantperio.com and we will respond within 48 hours.
Quick Recovery Tips
Learn About Your Procedure
Visit our procedures page for educational videos and detailed descriptions.
View ProceduresFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do before periodontal surgery?
Before periodontal surgery, make sure you are current on your dental cleanings, practice excellent oral hygiene, stock your kitchen with soft foods, update your pharmacy information, and stay well hydrated. Take 800mg of Ibuprofen one hour before your procedure unless you have kidney issues. Inform your periodontist of any blood thinners, bisphosphonate medications, or changes to your medical history. If you are receiving oral sedation, consent forms must be signed ahead of time and medications will be sent to your pharmacy approximately two days before surgery.
What can I eat after periodontal surgery?
For the first 24 hours, eat only cool or room-temperature foods to prevent bleeding and avoid burning your mouth while numb. For the first two weeks, eat soft foods only and avoid anything crunchy, sharp, tiny, spicy, or acidic. Small particles like seeds, rice, and nuts can become lodged in the surgical site. Good choices include scrambled eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straw), protein shakes, and lukewarm soup after the first day.
How do I manage pain after periodontal surgery?
Alternate Ibuprofen 800mg and Tylenol 1000mg every three to four hours. Do not exceed 3,200mg of Ibuprofen or 4,000mg of Tylenol in a 24-hour period. These maximum dosages are for healthy adults; patients with liver or kidney disease should consult their physician for adjusted dosages. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling at the surgical site, while Tylenol blocks pain signals in the brain. Together they provide significantly better relief than either one alone. If you can only take one, choose Ibuprofen. If you received Exparel (a long-acting anesthetic), continue taking Ibuprofen on schedule even while numb, because pain will hit when it wears off if you have not been staying ahead of the inflammation.
When can I brush my teeth after periodontal surgery?
Do not brush or floss the surgical area for the first week. You may brush and floss all other areas normally. After one week, you may begin gently brushing the surgical area with a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush. Do not floss the surgical area until your sutures have been removed at your follow-up appointment. Begin gentle warm salt water rinses or prescribed chlorhexidine rinse 24 hours after surgery.
What are the sinus precautions after dental implant surgery?
If your procedure involved the upper back teeth or a sinus lift, do not blow your nose for at least two weeks. Sneeze with your mouth open. Do not use a straw. Avoid flying for at least one week and avoid scuba diving for four weeks. Use prescribed nasal decongestant to keep sinuses clear. Some nasal congestion or mild bloody nasal discharge on the side of surgery is normal. Contact your periodontist immediately if you experience air or liquid passing between your mouth and nose.
How long does it take to recover from gum graft surgery?
Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. The grafted area should not be disturbed for the first week. After one week, gentle brushing away from the gum line is permitted. Sutures remain in place for approximately one month. A surgical stent is provided to protect the donor site on the roof of your mouth and should be worn continuously for the first three days. Full tissue maturation takes several months.
Can I smoke after periodontal surgery?
No. Do not smoke or use any tobacco products for at least two weeks after surgery. Smoking significantly delays healing, increases the risk of complications, and is the leading cause of graft failure in soft tissue grafting procedures. Oral tobacco products like Zyn pouches and dip cause direct damage to the surgical site and should not be used.
Do I need sedation for periodontal surgery?
Sedation is optional. All periodontal procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the surgical area completely. Oral sedation is available for patients who want to feel more relaxed during surgery. IV sedation is also available through an outside anesthesia service for patients who prefer deeper sedation. Consent forms must be signed ahead of time for any sedation, and a responsible driver is required.
What is Exparel and how does it help with pain after surgery?
Exparel is a long-acting local anesthetic that Dr. Yant can administer at the surgical site during your procedure. Unlike traditional anesthesia that wears off within a few hours, Exparel provides targeted numbness for approximately 3 days. This significantly reduces post-operative pain during the most uncomfortable phase of recovery, often eliminating or greatly reducing the need for opioid pain medications. Exparel works by slowly releasing the anesthetic over time, keeping the surgical area comfortable while your body begins the healing process. Even with Exparel, we still recommend taking Ibuprofen on schedule throughout those 3 days to control inflammation. When the Exparel wears off, you will experience pain if you have not been keeping up with your anti-inflammatory medication. Many patients who receive Exparel report that their recovery was far more comfortable than expected.